@masterthesis{McGovern2024,
       author = "McGovern, Emily",
       title =  {{The Digital Persona: The Role of Strategic Self-Presentation Among Emerging Adults on Instagram}},	
       type = {Bachelor's Thesis},

       howpublished = "\url{https://ir.hamilton.edu/do/fd54e470-1c21-46e8-8b6b-fddaab05962e}",
       institution = {Hamilton College},
       year = 2024,
       month = may,
       school = {Sociology},
}

Creator

Date

May 2024

Description

Young adults construct their identities on Instagram through strategic self-presentation and perceived audience reactions. Through interviews with college students, this study analyzes the platform’s significance and the motivations driving user engagement. Findings reveal a complex interplay between individual identity, societal norms, and digital presentation. Participants demonstrate a desire for authenticity while managing perceptions of their online personas. However, this duality indicates a need to understand if virtual presentations of the self can yield the same identity-affirming reactions as in-person audiences. Instagram serves as a stage for idealized self-performance, with users balancing authenticity and conformity. This study highlights evolving social norms and the need for ongoing research into Instagram's impact on identity formation.

Type of Work

• Thesis

Institution

Hamilton College

Area of Study

• Sociology

Degree

Bachelor of Arts

Advisor

Part of Collection

Senior Theses

Rights Statement

The copyright for this work is held by its creators and Hamilton College. More information